Canada
Connor Bedard, C, 16:
He’s made it. Just being on this roster is an insanely outstanding achievement for a 16-year-old, even a phenomenon, at this stage and in light of the roster competition. What role he gets is almost secondary, but you’ll want to see every shift as Bedard is “the future” and perhaps the most highly touted Canadian prospect since another Connor, namely McDavid. And don’t forget – Bedard had 14 points in seven games at the U18 Worlds in Texas as a 15-year-old.
Sebastian Cossa, G, 19:
One of the best and most successful starters in the WHL, Cossa has done a lot of winning the past three years. It’s basically all he does. Uncertain whether he’ll even be Canada’s starter, if Cossa gets the call, he brings a whole heck of a lot to the table for a nation that has racked up a lot of medals the past 30 years.
Kent Johnson, LW, 19:
23 points in 17 NCAA games for Michigan is a scoring clip seldom seen from a sophomore at the college level, but the fifth overall draft pick in last summer’s draft is a special offensive talent and can make opponents look like amateurs almost at will. With the talent he’ll be surrounded by at this tournament, there could be quite a few fireworks when Johnson is on the ice.
Jake Neighbours, LW, 19:
Almost making the St. Louis Blues for good this season with an impressive nine-game introduction, Neighbours has continued to produce in a dominant manner since returning to the WHL, much like his Canadian teammate Mason McTavish in the OHL. Still, Neighbours is known for leadership and Canada has him here to deliver that in spades. There’s little reason to believe he won’t.
Cole Perfetti, C, 19:
With 15 points in 17 AHL games, the Winnipeg Jets draft pick is one of the more accomplished pro players performing in this tournament and can play the game any way you want it, although it’s his habit of producing offence that makes him looking like one of the biggest names in Edmonton this winter. He’ll be getting a big role and chances are, he’s up for the challenge in a big way.
Owen Power, D, 19:
Last summer’s number one overall draft pick, Power surprised many in the hockey world by returning to Michigan for a sophomore season before turning pro. After being a top line player for Canada in winning gold at the men’s world championships, Power is basically an NHL-ready everyday player ready to will his country to its next gold medal. All eyes will be on one of the world’s top defensive prospects. Yours should be too!
Shane Wright, C, 17:
It’s uncertain how much ice time Wright will have at this tournament, seeing as how he’s playing for a team that is loaded with talent, but don’t be surprised if he scores well despite less ice time than many of his compatriots. After all, Wright is the odds-on favourite to go first overall in next summer’s draft. Despite modest production with “just” 30 points in 22 OHL games this season, he was unstoppable for Canada at the U18 Worlds with 14 points and a +12 rating in five games.
Olen Zellweger, D, 18:
A below-average sized defenceman, Zellweger is staring at a top pairing role in this tournament thanks to a smooth, confident game that he’s been putting on display for two straight seasons. His 27 points and +24 rating in 22 WHL games this year have him on pace for one of the best PPG averages of a defenceman in that league this century. He also was a key piece to Canada’s U18 gold medal last spring in Texas. Watch this guy continue to excel, turning just about everything he touches into gold.
